EFFICIENCY OF DIFFERENT FERTILIZER ON PERFORMANCE AND UPTAKE FOR CUCUMBER PRODUCTION (Cucumis sativus L.) IN OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted on the Teaching and Research Farm at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. The study investigated the impact of various fertilizer types and cucumber varieties on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake in cucumber production in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five fertilizer treatments (poultry manure, urea, Mack Pure organic, NPK, and control) and three cucumber varieties (Cucumber marketer, Seminis, and Amarisa super F1). Results showed that poultry manure and urea significantly (P <0.05) enhanced growth and yield parameters, with poultry manure increasing leaf count and vine number, while urea improved fruit production and nutrient uptake, especially for nitrogen and phosphorus. The "Cucumber marketer" (V1) variety demonstrated the highest growth performance and nutrient uptake. Although fertilizer and variety independently influenced yield, their interaction was limited in enhancing fruit production. The study suggests that farmers seeking higher cucumber yields and sustainable soil nutrients should consider using poultry manure and urea, combined with high-performing varieties like "Cucumber marketer."